[caption id="attachment_149743" align="alignright" width="344"] McGrath (left) with troop members[/caption]

The Boy Scouts of America has revoked the charter of a Seattle troop after it refused to remove an openly gay Scoutmaster, reports Scouts for Equality.

After Geoffrey McGrath disclosed his sexual orientation to the Scouts last month, Rainier Beach United Methodist Church refused to unseat him from Seattle Troop 98. (After a recent revision to BSA policies, gay youths may be Boy Scouts, but out adults cannot serve as troop leaders.)

“Because the church no longer agrees to the terms of the BSA chartered organization agreement, which includes following BSA policies, it is no longer authorized to offer the Scouting program,” Scouts spokesman Deron Smith told Time. “We are saddened by this development, but remain committed to providing all youth with the best possible Scouting experience where the Scouting program is the main focus.”

Rainier Beach United Methodist Church, however, is standing by McGrath: “Based on our religious principles, we will continue to act as an autonomous church that does not discriminate—we will continue to have our Troop meetings here, every Thursday night, with business as usual,” said Rev. Monica Corsaro.

McGrath, believed to be the first openly gay adult to have his leadership status revoked by the BSA, says he was "stunned" by the news: “Pastor Corsaro specifically sought out someone with my Scouting background to help get these units off the ground, and her church is now being told to violate their religious convictions. It’s unconscionable and irreverent.”

Thankfully, the community has mostly been on his side: The Seattle City Council and more than 20 Washington State legislators, have expressed their support for Rainier Beach United Methodist Church’s right to determine leadership roles.

A United Methodist congregation, Rainier Beach is part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, which welcomes and affirms LGBT members. There are at least 70 other BSA troops chartered by Reconciling congregations in the U.S.

 Photos: Geoffrey McGrath